Kids and families need good things to do, and many local places are still closed: we are trying to step up and fill the need. Our Friendly Forest Fall Festival is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, September 30th – Oct 1st, and we need LOTS of help to get ready[...]Read More »

3:00 show: “From Earth to the Universe” Cross time and cultures to see the Universe! Each show is preceded by a live orientation to SW Florida night skies (to get you dark-adapted!), so you will also learn some of what there is to see in our local skies this month.[...]

3:00 show: “From Earth to the Universe” Cross time and cultures to see the Universe! Each show is preceded by a live orientation to SW Florida night skies (to get you dark-adapted!), so you will also learn some of what there is to see in our local skies this month.[...]

Solar Observing (Weather Permitting) Every Friday at 11:45, (clear skies permitting) Live solar observing using the Coronado Solar Telescope: Are there sunspots today? Prominences? A flare? Planetarium volunteers and/or staff will show you the Sun “live” as few people get to see it. Catch our narrow-band filter’s detailed view of[...]

3:00 show: “From Earth to the Universe” Cross time and cultures to see the Universe! Each show is preceded by a live orientation to SW Florida night skies (to get you dark-adapted!), so you will also learn some of what there is to see in our local skies this month.[...]

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a private, not for profit, environmental education organization located in Fort Myers, Florida. Our 105 acre site has a museum, three nature trails, a Planetarium, butterfly and bird aviaries, a gift shop, a woodland pavilion and meeting and picnic areas.

Strolling through our Museum, visitors can learn about Southwest Florida's natural history. Daily educational programs allow visitors an up close and personal view of some of our resident creatures, including skunk, raccoon, fox, turtles, snakes, an Audubon Aviary which houses permanently injured birds of prey (hawks, vultures, bald eagles, owls and more) and a Butterfly Pavilion.

Various reptiles, amphibians and arthropods are also waiting for you. The Museum's interpretive displays address many issues affecting our area, from water resources to the plight of the endangered manatee. Exhibits on native Calusa culture and the paleontology of Southwest Florida share space with live baby alligators and tiny owls.

The stars are always out in our Planetarium, the only public-accessible planetarium south of Bradenton and west of Miami! Check the Planetarium pages for astronomical happenings and other special events.

Stroll or roll! Our Museum, Planetarium and large portions of our nature trails are accessible to people with movement challenges. Our Gift Shop has a wide variety of natural history merchandise for all ages, from toys through books and antique Audubon prints to jewelry, tee shirts, inflatable planets and stylish handmade shoulder bags. Be sure to check it out on your next visit.

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is truly a center. In addition to our regular collection of programs and hosting of special events, our facilities are used by many different nature-friendly groups and organizations for their regular meetings and special programs. When you or your business need a unique and convenient site for your next meeting, presentation, birthday party or picnic, please contact us to see what we can offer.

The Museum, Aviaries and Trails are open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm in the fall (starting October 1), winter and spring and on Sunday from 11am to 4pm. In summer, we bow to the rains and close at 3 pm.

The Center is located at 3450 Ortiz Avenue at the intersection of Colonial Blvd. and Six Mile Cypress in Fort Myers, one minute from I-75 at Exit 136. Additional information is available by calling 239-275-3435.

Admission to the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is $10 for adults and $5 for children (ages 3-12). This one-price admission includes the Natural History Museum, Butterfly Aviary, Trails, the regularly scheduled Live Animal demonstration and all Planetarium shows scheduled that day. Please call for group rates, which are available for 15 or more people when you book your visit in advance. Family memberships are available: a Family Membership entitles member families (spouses or parents, children, grandparents at same address) to free admission for a year, some special member-appreciation events and many other special prices on programs and discounts in the gift store. We participate in the ANCA reciprocity policy, ask to see the ANCA list of places that will extend Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium members their own membership benefits.

We welcome new volunteers; please call 239-275-3435 to schedule an orientation.

Some programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, the South Florida Water Management District, the West Coast Inland Navigation District, and NASA.

Upcoming Events

Sponsors

For sponsorship information please contact us.

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A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Florida Division of Consumer Services by calling (800) 435-7352 within the state or by visiting www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the state.

About Us

The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium is a private, not for profit, environmental education organization located in Fort Myers, Florida. Our 105 acre site has a museum, three nature trails, a Planetarium, butterfly and bird aviaries, a gift shop and meeting and picnic areas.